Related Articles

Do you know the last week of July through August is prime back to school shopping season? During this time period, most local and online retailers offer incredible values to save some serious money and keep you and your kids stocked up on school supplies this year. Following these tips will keep the green in your wallet and the smiles on your kid’s faces.

Save on back to school shopping

Shop multiple times during the season – Retailers change their sales weekly and offer numerous loss leaders each week with essentials for back to school. If it’s not on sale the first week you go shopping, DON’T BUY IT! Chances are it will go on sale later in the season.

Buy the loss leaders – Loss leaders are items that stores offer on sale that are priced below their wholesale price they paid for the stock. You can typically see stores like Target, Walmart, Staples and Office Max offer products for $.01, $.25 or $.99. These items are priced at this rate that loses money for the store in the hope that you will come into the store and purchase more marked up products while you come shopping for the discounted merchandise.

Shop tax free in certain states – Some of our homeowners in Ohio can take advantage of no tax on clothing and school supplies August 4, 2017 to August 6, 2017. Florida families can take advantage of no tax on school supplies, clothing and computers from August 4, 2017 to August 6, 2017. Don’t forget, if you live in Pennsylvania, there is no sales tax on clothing ALL THE TIME.

Use those Coupons – Individual stores like Target, JoAnn Fabrics, Michael’s and Kohl’s offer their own coupons good in store and online. Target also offer Cartwheel to stack savings on your mobile phone. Online sites like couponsuzy also offers manufacturer coupons that you can stack on other deals a retailer might offer.

Shop for designer backpacks, apparel and shoes at outlets and discount stores – Looking for the hottest designers at a fraction of the cost? Why not check out your local Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack or Saks Off Fifth first? Many times these stores carry amazing deals on things like Tumi backpacks or shoes for up to 50% off retail prices. Outlet malls also offer designer specific stores that feature similar deals.

Check for competitor prices – Use the Amazon app to scan merchandise barcodes in store to see if Amazon offers a cheaper price. Many stores offer a price match guarantee that not only offer to match a competitor’s price, but also to beat it with additional savings. Make sure before you purchase to do your research first and check competitor prices and also price-matching policy guidelines.

Buy discounted gift cards – You can use sites like com to purchase discounted gift cards. Many grocery or retail stores like Sam’s Club also offer further discounts on gift cards or rewards points when you buy gift cards there.

Check for low prices even after the sale – Sign up for the Paribus This app will automatically check for price reductions on online orders you placed at numerous retailers and automatically submit a claim at that retailer for a price adjustment if it goes on sale for a lower price than you paid.

Back to school shopping doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Following these tips will help you save money this shopping season.

About Jason Moots

Jason is a devoted real estate marketer and online new homes specialist with 16 years of experience in residential real estate. When not helping you build your dream home, Jason enjoys working on his own home improvement projects, spending time with his dogs and the foodie scene.